DAYLife and COVID-19

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You are currently accessing the Think Kidneys website. Please be aware that this site is an archive and contains content from the Think Kidneys project, which concluded in 2019. As a result, the information presented here is no longer being updated or maintained.

For the most current and relevant information, we encourage medical professionals to visit the UK Kidney Association for comprehensive resources and updates in the field. Patients and their families can find valuable, patient-centric information and support at Kidney Care UK.

We would also like to inform you that the Kidney Quality Improvement Partnership (KQIP) is now part of the UK Kidney Association. For more information, please visit KQIP’s homepage under the UK Kidney Association.

We thank you for your understanding and invite you to explore these recommended resources for up-to-date insights and guidance in kidney care and health.

When I was making the choice, I thought PD would make life easier for me – just to be able to move about freely during the day and do what I wanted. I think it allows you to have more control of your own life
Patient newly trained and started on peritoneal dialysis during COVID-19, UK

It became clear during the COVID pandemic that for in centre patients on haemodialysis, the risk of acquiring COVID and mortality were both high. UK Renal Registry data demonstrated that home dialysis reduced the risk of acquiring COVID-19 for a vulnerable group.
Consultant nephrologist, UK

Personal experiences of dialysis at home during COVID-19

Paul’s experience, peritoneal dialysis (KQuIP)

John’s experience, peritoneal dialysis (KQuIP)

William’s experience, home haemodialysis (NKF)

What did COVID-19 mean for dialysis at home?

People with kidney disease were at greater risk of serious morbidity and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic
This may have been due to the need to visit hospitals or dialysis centres on a regular basis
Patients who were receiving dialysis at home had the relative advantage over patients who were receiving unit or satellite based haemodialysis of not needing to attend hospital regularly
Patients on home based dialysis treatment were able to shield effectively during the pandemic.

The NICE COVID-19 rapid guideline: dialysis service delivery [NG160] published in March 2020 stated dialysis service delivery should:

Continue and maintain current home dialysis provision (home haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis), and maintain adequate supplies and staffing support. Assess the resilience of care reliant on paid or unpaid carers, family and friends.
Think about whether it is possible to increase home dialysis provision for new incident patients.
Test for COVID-19 in patients, carers and assistants (paid and unpaid) in the community using any form of home dialysis if they develop symptoms. Test paid assistants carrying out assisted automated peritoneal dialysis.

This was supported by The Renal Association/British Renal Association commentary on the rapid guidelines.

A specialist working group developed additional guidance on the management of people on peritoneal dialysis during the COVID-19 pandemic, available here.

Were these guidelines feasible?

How has COVID-19 impacted upon delivery of, and experience of, dialysis at home?

What can we learn from this?

Throughout August and September 2020, we are carrying out a review of the impact COVID-19 has had on delivering and receiving dialysis at home.

Are you a healthcare professional working in the area of home dialysis in the UK?

Please take part in our online review of home dialysis care during COVID-19 here

Are you a patient on home haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis and do you want to share your experience – positive or negative – in order to help drive improvement?

Get in touch with KQuIP@renalregistry.nhs.uk to share your experience with us either in writing, or via a video or telephone call